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As Nick, Chris, Dan and I were cranking-out SHOT Show copy, carpet bombing our Armed Intelligentsia with box-fresh content (in the nicest possible way), a strange thing happened. Ernie’s House of Whoop Ass! linked to a pre-Christmas post on Red Jacket Firearms. No joke: ehowa’s readers played a major part in lifting site traffic over the 100k page views per day mark. TTAG has heaped invective on Red Jacket. But I reckon our resident egg-heads missed something. Check out the comment left by Big T [after the jump] and tell me that TTAG shouldn’t “descend” to blogging the ins-and-outs of this firearms-flavored soap opera. Seriously. Should we be covering this show in more, uh, depth?

“Lets start with the number one problem. (Stephanie) Why is she suggesting who should be a lead on a project? She was telling Will to “roll the dice” on Kris for that AR piston project. F-THAT! I would tell her to go back to her desk and answer the damn phones. She didn’t have any right “suggesting” him for that type of working considering Kris didn’t know his ass from a hole in the ground. She should stick to what she is good at, selling and answering phones. Problem 2: (Will) The only question I have is, why hasn’t Kris been let go or fired. He is the only person that doesn’t know what he is doing. For being an “apprentice” for two seasons or years, you figure by now he should at least know how to troubleshoot AR issues. I mean REALLY? A little spring (that was bent in half) and a hydro piece, how do you over look that? The other thing is for a guy that gave a ultimatum, he surely can’t keep his word for s***. Any manager in their right mind would never give a beginner a project with that type of magnitude. Kris should of NEVER became the lead. I personally think that Will is a egotistical fat piece of dog poop. He treats his employees like crap for the exception of Stephanie and Kris which he basically bends over backwards for. I don’t know if anyone realizes this but no one else in the shop calls Will by “Sir” except for Kris and Steph. Problem 3: (Kris) … Well … he is a dumbs***. There is no way of saying it differently. For being a “Project Lead”, he really didn’t “Lead”, he just gave up and told on Vince. Conclusion: I think Vince made the right choice by leaving. Granted, the way he left made him look like a baby. But, lets face it, there was probably a lot of other things that happened off camera that made him leave. And he just snapped and said F-IT, I’m out. A lot of people are saying that Vince wasn’t a team player. It is hard to be a team player when you crap from a guy that really doesn’t own the shop. As of RJF misplacing their firearms, well … if heads didn’t roll after that incident then they shouldn’t be in business in the first place. Will should got jail time for that. You would have to be stupid not to think that the ATF wouldn’t audit you considering everything is shown on TV. Reality TV starts off well and then it turns into it’s own version of Days of Our Lives. I mean look at Pawn Stars, I actually enjoyed watching that show and now it just crap. American Guns sucks as well, I don’t see any value in that show at all. I think its just filler space for the shows that are coming up.”

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43 COMMENTS

  1. IF TTAG can guarantee that the some odd million number of viewers that watch the show start blogging on TTAG, then you guys should consider it. It’s one thing to type about someone’s stupidity, but we all have to understand that its just the entertainment business scripting it way to get more viewers. To answer your question – No.

    I would be interested in knowing more about their firearms and how realiable they are. They charge a premium for something that I can get cheaper somewhere else.

    • As to the subject of RJF, my opinion, SAVE YOUR $$$$!!!
      The problem is not with the weapons or products they manufacture. I have a friend who is very pleased with the weapon he purchased from RJF, BUT, he was discusted with with the purchase process, wait time, lies & run-around, & overall rudeness. After my friend told me of the problems he had w/RJF I did a lil research on them. To my supprise, there are multiple sites & complaints about the HR of RJF. The #1 complaint is the wait time for the weapon to be built. The normal wait on a standard un-modified weapon from RJF is 4-6 months as indicated on their web site. In truth it is a lot longer. & lord help u when u call( after the time line on build) to check the stasis of your weapon. This is where the run-around & lies I mentioned before begin. As for Vince leaving the way he did, good for him. Who wants to work for an employer that makes & sells guns for a living( at that time ) has to use your FFL licence to stay in buissness. Truth of the matter is if it weren’t for Vince there would be no sons of guns & no one would even know who red jacket firearms is.
      Humble louisiana resident.

  2. No, unless they build something that warrants actual attention.

    By comparison, some of the stuff Gunsmoke cranks out is actually quite interesting, so, if you’re going to cover a reality show, I vote for that one.

  3. Personally, I like those shows (“American Guns” and “Sons of Guns”). Yes, there is excessive drama, but for the most part I find the project guns interesting for the most part. I also try to keep in mind that it is TV, not real life; just like I enjoy fictional literature more than non-fiction. I also enjoy watching “Top Shot” and “Survivor,” but I know that a lot goes on in the editing room… and the shows are presented as entertainment. If it is not your thing, don’t watch it. I visited the Gunsmoke gun shop in Colorado, and I can tell you that the staff (almost every member of the cast) was more attentive and helpful than almost any gun shop I’ve visited. Sure most people in line were purchasing souvenirs, but I was pleasantly surprised to see a pleasant attitude and willingness to talk with visitors of the store. The guys seemed much more grounded than they appear in the show. Just my two cents…

  4. I think it is great that the show is on the air. Having multiple shows about firearms on popular tv channels seems like a great sign for guns being seen as more acceptable and common place. Top Shot got me interested in vintage guns. Sons of Guns has made we want to learn more about other types of guns and laws surrounding their availability. So, does TTAG need to cover more of the show? Not the drama and BS pieces, but posts on some of the more factual firearm pieces of the show, couldn’t hurt.

  5. Peoples emotional comments on television shows.

    Comedy gold right there.

    Its like a bunch of wrestling fans fighting over who is going to win or who is better and taking it seriously.

  6. I wouldn’t be TOO hard on anyone, based on how they are portrayed on “reality” tv.

    That said, any help we can get to appeal to non gun owners, is help we should take. The masses are rarely pursuaded by inanimate object. They are moved by people and personalities. That is what shows like American Guns or Sons of Guns introduce to the public.

  7. I agree with Adam D and only ketchup. The show exhibits some pretty awesome gear that I would otherwise see only in museums or movies. Project builds are pretty great stuff, even when it is the kind of gear I wouldn’t want to buy, own, or let alone shoot.

    They also to make guns seem more normal, even if the people they show handling the guns aren’t. People know that reality TV is heavily edited and that there is much more than meets the eye when it comes to this stuff. And the people that are dumb enough to make generalization about gun owners from this show, well, I’ll invite them to come with me to the average mom and pop gun shop before heading to the range so they can meet the average gun owner.

    Lastly, the whole bit about calling Will “Sir”, well that is common sense if you grew up in the South, a military family, or constant social situations where anybody a minute older than you is “Sir.” I usually get a lot of respect from people when I call them sir or ma’am. And I got a kick out of it when kids starting calling me sir.

  8. Should you be covering more of the show? No as far as the drama goes, but yes on some of the interesting guns that have shown up, like the recent 20 shot pin fire revolver. I’d be interested in how they were able to manufacture new pinfire ammo, and is it something that a skilled reloader can do?

  9. Simply put, Yes, but only if the technology they create is relevant to the average “gun nut”. Ignore the trauma drama of television. I believe any “main stream” TV programing that desensitizes non-gunner’s to the existence of guns is a plus. (Even if they don’t like “guns”.) Example, even if you fast forward past commercials you are still aware of their message. So Yes to technology and really “Kewiel” stuff, No to drama.

  10. Mr Big T. is playing exactly into the producer’s hand. The whole damned thing is scripted and obviously so, and they expect people to speculate and complain about the manufactured drama.

    In the latest episode when Red Jacket’s “new” “super reliable” (built from a piston kit from Brownell’s) AR-15 “malfunctions,” you can see the magazines are empty. Or the fact that a government agency is buying from some Dremel-wielding dumbasses instead of a reputable contractor in the first place.

  11. didn’t you guys do a story on the AR that shot a .460 or something? — the Hog gun? the show ran 3 or 4 weeks ago.

    as I recall, forgiving my mind doesn’t always remember right, you guys *wanted* one of them, as would I.

  12. Who the hell proofreads these articles? Wait, scratch that. Why are these articles NOT being proofread? This the very definition of gall. Bitching about t.v. shows, that hardly anyone watches, and not even bothering to check your bitching before posting it on the web for the entire world to see. You only succeeded in making yourselves look like global dumb asses.

  13. Personally, I can’t wait for a show that combines the best of Top Shot with Survivor. Contestants wouldn’t get voted off the island, they’d get carried off. Along with the producers, I hope.

  14. Mr. Farago:
    TTAG shouldn’t “descend” to blogging the ins-and-outs of this firearms-flavored soap opera. Period.

    The first few shows I watched were pretty good and serious, then the downward spiral to soap opera began. We record the show and speed through it, just watching the equipment portions, some of the manufacturing, interesting antiques and, of course, the explosions. The “Hogzilla” gun was really interesting and thanks for covering it.

  15. I actually like SOG. However, I have to give it to American guns, because there is no love drama, because they are all family. Unless Gunsmoke is located in Lawrence County, Al.

  16. This happens with everyone of these shows they put on. American Hot Rod had the douche bag Duane and all their long time employees leaving for Chip Foose, American Choppers had the Tuettles family feud, Street Customs was the same story but they could never get one employee to be the heel so it never developed past two seasons. The producers of these shows take really interesting premises and inject contrived drama. I’m sure the S.o.G. crew is a lot more fastidious than portrayed but all I can do is shake my head when the antics on these shows start up.

  17. I would suggest Red Jacket close it’s store front and just do what they (Will) seem to enjoy- sell high end customized guns to their friends. The one time a “newbie” couple came in to ask about buying a gun for defense, they both got the “dumbass” treatment. Will is the biggest dumbass on the crew. For all his riding of his crew about safety, who fired a shotgun with an arrow in the barrel in the shop? The ATF needs to pull his licenses immediately before they are shut dow by congress!

    • They did pull their licenses. 17 or so firearms came up missing and they got their FFL’s taken.

      The guy with the tats that left the show to work on motorcycles is part owner,.. and the only one with an FFL,… and possibly also the only one that’s a licensed gunsmith. That’s why he “comes back” once in a while. That’s also why pretty much all they do is play with stoocks,.. do regular maintainance and assemble AR’s from parts (which I was able to do first time out from scratch in 20 minutes with no special tools).

  18. Let’s face it, the show isn’t all that good, but the level of bile directed at the RJF crew indicates only one thing to me: Snobbery. Yes, it’s easy for fancy schmancy New York Jews (I used to be one) to trash talk these hicks, but if they did the same to you it wouldn’t be so funny. You couldn’t even walk on their turf. Your designer shoes would be ruined! As for having them arrested, when did we become Sarah Brady? So, I would only conclude by saying: Lighten up, Francis!

  19. A torch, a vise and a monkey wrench do not a gunsmith make. Welding together sh*tty parts to make even sh*ttier guns gives gunsmithing a bad name.

  20. I lost any respect for these guys after being on the same flight of Kris and Stephanie from Houston to Vegas for this years shot show. Kris was drunk and acting like a rock star pissing off the flight crew and then proceeded to vomit all over the bathroom on the plane. It was so bad they had to close the bathroom. The carpet outside the bathroom was soaking wet from vomit seeping from under the door. No apologee to anybody, what a prick.

    • Really? Back in my drinking days, I’d get a little toasted on a long flight, but I never puked in the bathroom. That is just bad manners or an amature drinker at work.

  21. Seriously?!?!They are all a bunch of dumb hicks?!?!Well,the shop seems to be pretty successful to me.True,there is no excuse for puking on a plane and other such tomfoolery,but none of s are perfect.As far as Kris getting the lead on the AR project:having the lead doesn’t make that person solely responsible for every little detail.It makes them responsible for the total outcome.If you need help along the way,fine,that is what friends/other employees are for.He seemed to have tried his best,but received no help when he asked for it.BUT,for the most part.It is a reality TV show.They do thing on there specifically intended to make it a TV show.Not realistic.If you are this worked up over a TV show perhaps it is too intense of a show for you.Try something on the Nickelodeon or Disney channel and see if that soothes your nerves.As a matter of fact,i am totally blown away that I even wasted my time typing a response to all of this. Insomnia is a terrible thing.

  22. As to the subject of RJF, my opinion, SAVE YOUR $$$$!!!
    The problem is not with the weapons or products they manufacture. I have a friend who is very pleased with the weapon he purchased from RJF, BUT, he was discusted with with the purchase process, wait time, lies & run-around, & overall rudeness. After my friend told me of the problems he had w/RJF I did a lil research on them. To my supprise, there are multiple sites & complaints about the HR of RJF. The #1 complaint is the wait time for the weapon to be built. The normal wait on a standard un-modified weapon from RJF is 4-6 months as indicated on their web site. In truth it is a lot longer. & lord help u when u call( after the time line on build) to check the stasis of your weapon. This is where the run-around & lies I mentioned before begin. As for Vince leaving the way he did, good for him. Who wants to work for an employer that makes & sells guns for a living( at that time ) has to use your FFL licence to stay in buissness. Truth of the matter is if it weren’t for Vince there would be no sons of guns & no one would even know who red jacket firearms is.
    Humble louisiana resident.

  23. RJF’s build quality is at the bottom of the barrel. The show makes them sound like one of the top builders in the country but I wonder why you never hear much about their firearms except on the show? Willson Combat and LaRue Tactical put them to shame! The shw also rambles on about how “Will” designed this and that but the truth is all they do is pimp out a rifle (adding way to much crap) and call it all new. Remember the piston AR show and how they made it sound like Will had invented something new? Several companies have had a piston driven AR out for some time. The only thing Will did was add a bunch of aftermarket parts and claim to sell it to a security company, which never happened. Heres what would make the show worth watching. 1st fire the Dumb@SS kriss. I get so sick of hearing his stupid mouth yell about blowing something up. Lets face it he has an IQ of -5 and is worthless around firearms. 2nd Fire the bimbo. She might be Wills daughter but she is only one natch above kirss on the IQ scale. 3rd? Just cancel the entire series and replace it with one that actual covers real gun builds and doesn’t have a bunch of bimbos, idiots and egomaniacs.

    • you are talking out your ass.sons of guns is a good show.it is what it is. dont watch it ,if you dont like it fool.

      • I don’t watch it anymore. I got sick of the garbage and lies. The show was designed for pre adolescent boys and/or mentalities. It reminds of the movie Idiocracy where in the future all the people of Earth are stupid. The biggest lie was the proposed gun deal with the nuclear plant in the desert. I work there. I guess they figured only stupid people watch the show and wouldn’t know any better.

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